What is antibitic?
Antibiotics are drugs that kill or inhibit the growth of bacteria. They are used to treat bacterial infections. Antibiotics are classified according to their chemical structure and their mechanism of action.
Common antibiotics include:
* Penicillins are the oldest class of antibiotics. They work by inhibiting the synthesis of the bacterial cell wall. Penicillin is effective against a wide range of bacteria, including Streptococcus pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus, and Neisseria gonorrhea.
* Cephalosporins are similar to penicillins, but they are more resistant to beta-lactamases, enzymes that can break down penicillins. Cephalosporins are also effective against a wide range of bacteria, including Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Haemophilus influenzae.
* Macrolides are antibiotics that inhibit protein synthesis in bacteria. They are effective against a variety of bacteria, including Streptococcus pneumoniae, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, and Chlamydia pneumoniae.
* Tetracyclines are antibiotics that inhibit protein synthesis in bacteria. They are effective against a variety of bacteria, including Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Mycoplasma pneumoniae.
* Aminoglycosides are antibiotics that damage the bacterial cell membrane. They are effective against a variety of bacteria, including Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, and Klebsiella pneumoniae.
* Quinolones are antibiotics that inhibit the synthesis of DNA in bacteria. They are effective against a variety of bacteria, including Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
Antibiotics are powerful drugs that can be used to treat a variety of bacterial infections. However, they can also cause side effects, including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and skin rashes. It is important to take antibiotics only when they are prescribed by a doctor.